THE RETURN OF THE WARRIORS" ZEB WELLS ON THE NEW WARRIORS

[MattBrady]

by Benjamin Ong Pang Kean

The New Warriors were first introduced as a new generation of heroes to fight crime in the 1990s and their first appearance was in Marvel Comics’ Thor (Vol. 1) #411 during the "Acts of Vengeance" crossover event. The original team members included Night Thrasher, Kid Nova, Marvel Boy, Firestar, Speedball and Namorita. They proved popular enough to star in their own monthly series that lasted 75 issues.

Since then, there’ve always been attempts by Marvel and interested creators to bring the Warriors back to comics. Apart from a short-lived run by Jay Faerber in 1999/2000, the Warriors have guest starred in several Marvel titles.

And because you (or someone near you in the comic shop) demanded it, the New Warriors return in June, courtesy of writer Zeb Wells and artist Skottie Young.

Newsarama: The New Warriors were first introduced as heroes for the 90's. They weren't the Avengers, although Justice and Firestar joined the Avengers line-up during Kurt Busiek's relaunch of the series with artist George Perez. Why do they still matter in this time and age?

Zeb Wells: Well, I think that’s my and Skottie’s challenge. We need to take that core concept, that these aren’t the Avengers, and bring our book’s tone in line with that. In the original series, the New Warriors fought galactic villains, traveled to alternate universes... basically they functioned as the Avengers, even though they weren’t. The New Warriors are, let’s face it, characters that don’t fit in. If their adventures aren’t a bit left of center, then what’s the point? Leave saving the world to the Avengers, that’s what they’re there for.

That’s one of the reasons Firestar and Justice aren’t in our team. They’ve moved on to the Avengers. They’re too legit for the New Warriors. The New Warriors are about twenty-something heroes trying to figure out where they fit in to the Marvel Universe. And that’s why they can still be vital, vital and fun.

NRAMA: What is the premise of the new New Warriors?

ZW: It’s about the Warriors leaving New York and looking under the belly of the Marvel Universe. They’ll be tracking down the Villains people haven’t seen for a while. We’ll find out where they’ve been and why they went there. Really, if you’re a villain, particularly a villain who isn’t on the scale of Magneto or the Red Skull, New York probably isn’t the place you want to be. The Hero to Villain ratio is bad if you’re on the side of evil, to say the least.

On the flip side, for reason’s that haven’t been revealed yet, Night Thrasher has sold the broadcast rights for the Warrior’s adventures to a production company. They’re packaging it as kind of a “home improvement” show, except the Warriors blow in and fix an entire town. The other Warriors aren’t too sure about this so it leads to some conflict.

NRAMA: Who are your New Warriors?

Skottie Young: Our run of the New Warriors is made up of Nova, Night Thrasher, Namorita, Speedball, Microbe, and then you'll see a new person added down the road. Basically, I think the New Warriors are a group of heroes that don't really fit in the normal superhero teams. At least that how Zeb and I saw them. A group of people that have been sitting around waiting for their chance to do their thing. Each having their own reasons for wanting to be a "superhero". I think that's an interesting dynamic, and makes for some good bickering with in a team setting.



NRAMA: How are they modernized for the new generation of comic book readers?

SY: I tried to streamline them a little as far as the look goes, but also trying to keep the old feel to them. Since we are putting them on tv, I tried to give them a look that would seem like a TV producer picked out the designs for their costumes. Something that really just made them look "TV cool" but maybe a little cliche as well.

As far as the over all design of each character, I wanted to get into the acting side a little more and really try to cast the right type of design for each character. Zeb wrote Speedball as the younger, free spirit, that is lazy but at the same time always down for clowning around while fighting a villain. So, I tried to make him younger, and a lot less muscle bound than people were used to seeing him as. To me, he isn't about huge muscles, but more about just clowning around. He just happens to have powers.

Night Thrasher, I kept the black a red feel, but just streamlined it to feel a little more practical. I covered his face to make him even darker, and really create mystery around him.

With Namorita, I felt I had some options. I've seen her approached in different ways over the years. Sometimes flesh colored skin, and sometimes blue. I really was drawn to the blue side. And being from the sea, and in my mind an under water warrior, I thought giving her some tattoos would really give here a harder edge and sell here as a tribal warrior. She's pretty fun.

Nova, well, what can I say? Despite my undying desire to change his look, I ran into wall after wall. So, Nova hasn't changed much. He's pretty much the same.

Microbe is my favorite. First of all, his power is great! Zeb really went with something out of the ordinary with his power, and I thought it was just perfect. So, I drew him large, very large. He's a weak character, and is scared of everything, so being gigantic is a nice contradiction to that I think.

ZW: Hopefully the Reality show aspect will let us examine the Superhero concept from a different angle, while still providing the goods as far as superhero action goes. Also, and I think Skottie mentioned this, we are really trying to tell a complete story each issue. Of course there will be subplots that run throughout the series, but we really want to hone our skills at telling a complete story each issue. Let’s hope the kids like it.

NRAMA: How did you guys get involved in the project?

ZW: John Miesegaes, who I had worked with on Peter Parker: Spider-Man, called me up about a year ago foaming at the mouth because Skottie had sent in some pages he was doing for Venom. He couldn’t stop talking about how great Skottie was at drawing action, and how we should pitch a New Warriors book with lots of action… I think he said the word “action” around 50 times. He was really excited.

I knew Skottie from a few conventions I’d been too. We got along and had been chomping at the bit to work together, so we talked on the phone and hashed out the core concept. Eventually the book landed in MacKenzie [Cadenhead]’s office who helped us hash it out even more (and got Night Thrasher for us, yay!)

NRAMA: Were you ever a fan of the earlier incarnations?

ZW: I didn’t read it when I was younger, but… and I know this sounds weird… I was always a fan of the concept. I remember seeing the promotional material for the book and thinking it was a great idea. A group of heroes that were younger, operating, I assumed, with a fairly low level of ego. I thought it looked like a fun book.

NRAMA: Did you read any of Fabian Nicieza's issues (later Evan Skolnick) before coming up with your ideas for the new New Warriors?

ZW: Yeah, I thought the original series was good nineties super-heroics.

NRAMA: What about Jay Faerber's short-lived run?

ZW: I liked its emphasis on character. I think it foreshadowed what Faerber could accomplish with Noble Causes.

NRAMA: Who're your favorite Warriors?

ZW: I’m really partial to the four characters we were able to use from the original Warriors. I think they’re the lifeblood of the book. I would have tried for Justice and Firestar as well, but like I said I feel like they’ve moved on with the Avengers.

SY: Microbe!!! I love drawing larger people, simply because it is easier to show movement and mass. So, there is a really pleasure that comes from that. But also, I like things to be a little weird, and Zeb came up with a weird character. The rest of the team falls into line with what we all know to be true of heroes. They have a power, and they want to use it for good. They're strong, they can fly, they can move fast... whatever. But Microbe talks to germs!!! That's ****ing great!! So, a huge guy, with a seemingly useless power is put in front of a TV camera and is told to save the day. What can he do? You'll see, and I think you'll like it. So yea, Microbe is my favorite. But, a few issues down the line, when we introduce the new member, that's when my real favorite will come out. I came up with that character, and it will be a blast to draw.

NRAMA: What is it like working with Skottie?

ZW: Me and Skottie are having a blast. You see, Skottie was adamant about getting plenty of lead time for this series, and he got it. He wanted to do the best work possible, he wanted to be completely in charge of the artwork, including the colors.

It seems some people have a stigma against “cartoony” art, but I really don’t see how anyone could use the word as a criticism after seeing issue #1. I mean, his pages actually move like a cartoon. I was blown away when they started coming in… but nothing really prepared me for his colors. He actually colored the book to look like the most expensive cartoon you’ve ever seen. It’s just beautiful, really.

New Warriors #1, 32 pages, $2.99, is scheduled to be in stores in June.

[Kevin T. Brown]

Y'know... I'm actually going to buy this. Even though the style is very cartoony, I definitely like Skottie Young's artwork. There a ton of energy in every panel.

[Kamandi2]

I'm the opposite. The art is what is stopping me from buying the book. It's a personal preference, but I just cannot stand the cartoony style. No matter how good the story is, the art would be too much.

[jasinmartin]

This looks awesome, love Skottie Young's style.
Those character designs are kickin'!

I've already signed up for this (come on, reality TV? comics?! me?!?).

[algertman]

When did Thrasher lose his SkateBoard of Justice?

[Alfonso]

I think Young's art is just terrible. Unless he's on a project that has its roots in an alternative style, I don't think he belongs anywhere near mainstream comics.

[Warren V. Wind]

I am a big fan of the original 90's series!

It looks very interesting.

Zeb and Skottie will definitely bring their own vision to The New Warriors.

I really like the the new characters!

[Goat warrior]

Horrible art, I'll pass.

[twoarmman]

I'm all over it!!!

If I was going to make all the decisions about a New Warriors book I probably wouldn't have gone this way, but beggers can't be choosers. I really enjoy these characters and I'm sure this will be a fun book.

[Aaron]

It's.... I mean... if it were only...

No, there's no words. Just ugh.

[ace-one]

hmm, when i first heard about this i thought the reality tv concept sucked. We already had X-Statix, after all. After seeing the preview though, i just might give it a chance. Skottie's definitely come a long way - i appreciate the cartoon vibe he's got going on now, rather than the over-exaggerated comic art he was doing over on venom.

this just might last more than 5 issues...

[KyleV]

I loved the New Warriors. It was perhaps my favorite superhero comic of the 90's (and 1-25 were just incredibly plotted).

The 1st revamp started off well enough, but lost steam rather quickly.

This one?

Not my thing.

And I know that many people will ask how I can know that without reading it. Well, the art's not my cup of tea. I know some people like that style, but it's not something I can get behind.

And the reality TV show thing, even if it's a red herring (which I can only assume that it is), feels like a weak attempt at introducing pop culture into the series -- old pop culture, in fact.

New Warriors was about the generation gap in the Marvel Universe, about twentysomethings who'd do anything to make a difference, to find the truth. Sure, it was melodramatic (just as it was goofy at times), but it was still a serious story.

The art alone makes this new book anything but.

[BDavis]

I actually like this art, but compelling as it sounds, at $2.99 an issue probably won't be picking this up. I'll give it a look though, just to be safe. Looks mighty different than the usual fare!

[I am MODOK]

Holy cow! No thank you. THe concept is passable, but that art...

[The_Adventurer]

You know I was going to pass, as I thought the Reality TV angle was stupid and over played these days, but I think this book as alot of potencial now and it definitly looks great, more comics should be this colorful and bouncy, it gives it a unique style all it's own.


I also like how every other post in this thread hates the art and every other loves the art. I guess people are just set in their ways that Realisim = All that matters. Personaly I'll take realism and surreal cartoon art in equal portions.

[siskods9]

The art is garbage and the concept is even worse.

[Pikachu007]

Hello, anyone read Todd Nauck's Wildguard series? Does Marvel do anything unique or original anymore? Guess not. Horrible art designs too... I'll pass thank you.

[Punchy]

I think this looks cool, it looks a lot like an actual animated series!, I think that people need to get off of their 'realism' kick, and enjoy good art that fits the story, it would make no sense to have Cassaday on a humour series ass this, and Young has a great grasp of characterization and humour. Nova looks the shiz

[gokujam]

I love the Art!!!!!
It rocks, its an interesting diversion from the mainstream look, it gives off a fun vibe.
The art alone would make me buy this.

[Jed Saxon]

That pic just looks so badass!
NOW I'm exited about this series. Bring 'em on!

[bob_at_york]

The art doesn't appeal to me. Now looking at this quote I am shocked!!

Originally posted by Warren V. Wind
I am a big fan of the original 90's series!

It looks very interesting.

Zeb and Skottie will definitely bring their own vision to The New Warriors.

I really like the the new characters!

You say you are a fan of the original series but you don't seem to care that Zeb doesn't seem to care about the characters! Neither guy seems to understand the characters/team or seems to care. Nita is BLUE not because of the story but because Skottie likes that visual better! That is stupid. I will buy the first issue but this series is looking more and more stupid the more i hear about it.

[UX-Gal]

Coool the art is very nice, love the cartoon style. If this is accompanied with great stories and good characterization, count me in!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ux-fans

[minmin]

reality tv?

huh?!?!

why?

why does every book need an angle?

how about this for an angle... cool characters with an interesting and exciting story?

that's all i need...

i am sure the warriors have a pretty decent sized fan following... and would buy the book without an angle..

it would be cool to see the warriors vs the runaways vs the young avengers

and i think the art is not bad... i do not mind cartoony art... looks like animation cells...

[kalorama]

I never followed New Warriors in their previous incarnation, and the first time I saw Young's art I hated it.

Times change.

I'm thinking about picking this up for one simple reason ... it looks like it might be a fun read. Too few of those to be had, IMHO.

[ThorEl3]

Let me start with something nice: I like the costume re-designs for the characters quite a bit. Speedball and Night Thrasher look cool, and Nita looks FAN-tastic. Nova? Don't like it. Needs to back to the traditional look.

That said, there isn't a single thing about this book that appeals to me. I don't especially care for the premise, I'm not interested in a Reality-TV-based New Warriors-lite, and Skottie's art is...ugh.

Pass. My $2.99 will be well spent elsewhere. As a matter of fact, if the guys at my local store hand me this book for free, I'll give it back. Just...no.